Our actions in Vietnam

Launched in 2010 in Danang, Passerelles numériques Vietnam (PNV) offers an IT training programs in Software Development & Testing (DeV), based on a holistic educative approach including technical and soft skills, and a personal development program.

Context

Before initiating the program, Passerelles numériques conducted a thorough study on socio-economic status of Vietnam. Demographic data revealed that the vast majority of population in remote areas and the Central Highlands suffered from stagnant economy and limited access to higher education.

Danang was considered as a promising hub for IT development with strong support and incentives granted by the Government. Therefore, our graduates would have various job opportunities as well as employment security after graduating.

Key Dates

2016: Launch of the new training with the Danang College of Technology. From now on, students are trained during three years and receive a College degree.

2015: PN Vietnam celebrates its five years’ anniversary.

2014: PN Vietnam is operating completely independently for all its activities.

Impact

Since 2010, 214 students graduated from PN Vietnam. In 2015, 96% of them found a qualified job with an average salary after graduation of 210 USD per month about twice as high as the regional minimum salary.

Once they have found a job, our graduates support financially their family and their community.

PN Vietnam collaborates with Study Promotion Associations (SPA) of each involved province to run the selection process. SPA are introducing us to high schools and facilitating the selection in their province.

A special effort is made to include at least 50% of young women, and beyond that, priority is given to the poorest boys or girls.

Training and education program

Since 2010, Passerelles numériques Vietnam has been partnering with the University of Danang. PNV and Danang College of Technology (DCT) collaborate in the curriculum design and share the training delivery. When the project started and until 2015, the students enrolled in the DCT’s two year IT vocational training program.

In 2016, Passerelles numériques Vietnam has been working with DCT on upgrading its training, going from a Trung cap degree to a College degree. At the end of the training, graduating students receive a College degree, recognized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and a Passerelles numériques certificate.

With a higher level of education and more experience in a real working environment, the objective is to enable students and future IT experts, to improve their hard and soft skills even more. The College degree will also allow them to obtain stable, qualified and well-respected jobs, a step further to end the cycle of poverty for themselves as well as their families.

A solid technical and practical 3-year training in Software Development & Testing (DeV)

Focus on Java development on up-to-date platforms (web, mobility) and PHP development via practice and projects implementation.

Learning based on practice and projects to build fundamental technical skills.

Students follow professional certified training for carrying out tests.

A last promotion of students studying “Web Development & Testing / Software Development” will graduate in October 2017.

A general training in professional skills

Passerelles numériques Vietnam also provides an intense additional curriculum to enhance graduates’ employability. Designed to match local company needs, it focuses on IT practice, via practical projects, English language, professional and soft skills (logical thinking, autonomy, initiative, etc.).

The full curricula include:

50% IT theory & practice

25% English

25% Soft skills

Two internships

Students have the opportunity to put into practice their skills during two internship periods:

Second year: 2 months to discover a working environment

Third year: 5 months to put into practice their IT skills and soft skills

Social and educational development

To prepare these young people to become mature and independent adults, we developed a personal development curriculum which revolves around PN’s values: Trust, Responsibility, Solidarity, Respect, and a Demanding approach.

As part of this program, students live together in dormitories, located near PN Vietnam, where they learn how to become autonomous and responsible adults. They are in charge of managing a budget with which they buy food, pay for the water and electricity bills, organize cleaning and cooking shifts, solve group issues and take care of each other.

In order for our students to focus on their intense studies, PNV covers their needs and expenses including:

Our alumni

Since 2010, 163 young people graduated from Passerelles numériques Vietnam and joined the alumni association.

Founded in 2012, PNV Alumni Association is really active since fall 2014. Members take part in many activities such as welcoming and guiding new students, supporting the Graduation Ceremony, attending the Career Orientation Session, holding football contest with PN Vietnam current students, attending the Year-end party, etc.

PNV Alumni Association also closely supports the External Relations department in the guidance to employment program (internship and job search).

Testimonials

Our holistic approach to education really makes the difference. That is to say education doesn’t only take place in the classroom, it is everywhere, all the time and with everyone. As well as being good IT professionals, our students become responsible young adults, independent and bright. This is the strength of the Passerelles numériques project.

Lise SIMONNEAU

PNV Education and Selection Manager

Passerelles numériques brought me the skills and mindset of a responsible adult. I am proud to be able to live the life I have always wanted.

Thi Van Thanh NGUYEN

PNV student, class 2017

Although it was only two years of living and studying at PNV, I learned a lot, from precious life values to specialized skills which now play an important role in my current life and job. For me, PNV is not only an unforgettable experience but also a home to return.

Main partners supporting PN Vietnam

PN Vietnam values partnering in sharing knowledge and strength to give the best to our students. Partnerships are either financial through grants and in-kind donations, human with skills sponsorship programs, or pedagogical.

Since 2014, Axon Active is providing Agile/Scrum introduction workshop to Passerelles numériques Vietnam second year students. This IT project methodology is broadly used by local and international IT company.

Created in 2008, Amanjaya Foundation supports organizations that work to promote access to education for disadvantaged children and young people. Since 2008, Amanjaya Foundation supports Passerelles numériques.

HSBC supports 144 young disadvantaged students in Vietnam to help them gain self-confidence & essential soft skills in order to access sustainable employment in high-technology sector.

JP Morgan Chase Foundation is an important sponsor to PN Vietnam, to support the training program reengineering in 2016 -2017, in close cooperation with the University of Danang and companies in the digital market. This project will allow to improve students’ access to employment and professional qualification, and to develop opportunities in companies in Ho Chi Minh City.

Since 2013, LogiGear has supported Passerelles numériques Vietnam with software testing curriculum for students and advanced training for instructors. For the school year 2015-2016, Passerelles numériques will offer LogiGear Certified Test Professional (LCTP), the first in the series of LogiGear Certified Testing Program, to prepare students for a career in software testing.

From 2016, PYCO Group, a digital consulting and software development agency, kick started a long-term partnership with Passerelles numériques Vietnam, as part of its commitment to support charity organizations in Vietnam. With the theme 'A digital strategy is all about passion', the partnership will entail offering 2 programs:

Internships: welcoming second year students for 3-month internships at the PYCO offices in Saigon.

Training courses: providing training through on-site workshops and online presentations that will focus on the cutting-edge digital technologies.

Since the launch of the program in 2010, the University of Danang is a major partner of Passerelles numériques Vietnam.